Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Symptoms do not appear until lung cancer is in advanced stages. If you experience any symptoms, do not assume it is due to cancer. Many symptoms can be caused by other less serious conditions, such as pneumonia or pleurisy. However, it is still important to discuss them with your doctor. Early detection and treatment improve outcomes for both cancer and other health conditions.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms may differ depending on the location of the tumor or how long it has been growing. The most common symptoms of lung cancer are:

Coughing up blood—This includes blood-stained mucus. Coughing up blood can also be present with lung infections.

Hoarseness—A nerve in the chest that controls your vocal cords may stop working as the cancer grows, resulting in a hoarse voice.

Increased frequency of infections—Fluid build-up in the lungs increases the frequency of lung infections like pneumonia or acute bronchitis.

Chest pain

Difficulty swallowing—If cancer surrounds or causes pressure on the esophagus (the tube that moves food from the throat to the stomach), it may be difficult to swallow food and drinks. Over time, it will be come progressively more difficult to swallow.

Certain types of lung tumors can also trigger other syndromes in the body, called paraneoplastic syndromes. They occur when the tumor secretes hormones that influence bodily functions. Specific syndromes associated with lung cancer may indicate the presence of the disease.

What are the symptoms of lung cancer? American Lung Association website. Available at: http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/symptoms-causes-and-risk-factors/symptoms.html. Accessed July 12, 2016.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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